Allow me to tell you a fascinating tale about Polish sweets and chocolates. How can you tell which ones are genuinely Polish, and how can you make the right choice when faced with so many delicious options? Well, let’s find out.
Chocolate in Poland – We Love It!
Now, Poland, like any significant exporting country, loves its chocolate. In 2022, the average Pole savored a whopping 5.6 kg of chocolate sweets per person. Let me say, that’s even more than our friends over in wealthier France. The trend is only going upwards, the average consumption in Poland has seen an increase of 0.6 kg. Germans, too, are developing quite the sweet tooth, although they started from an even higher base.
Of course, chocolate producers keep a keen eye on this booming market. According to the marketing director at Mars Wrigley, as I read in publication, chocolate is a staple in nearly every Polish household, landing in the shopping cart at least once a week.
He mentions that chocolate sweets are one of the largest sectors among fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in the country. In the previous year alone, largely due to chocolate bars and pralines, the sector grew by just over 8 percent.
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The power of Mars Wrigley in this space is undeniable. Their factory in Janaszówek near Sochaczew cranks out up to 640 million Snickers bars each year, shipping them to 50 markets worldwide.
Polish Sweets Industry
Polish sweets, however, stir up a fair amount of doubts and debates. Some folks might prefer company X simply because it’s local, assuming that equates to superior quality.
Others, to their surprise, discover their beloved „Polish” sweets aren’t really Polish at all.
Instead, these are owned by multinational corporations or firms from the opposite side of the world. For these and many more reasons, I’ve decided to shine some light on these perplexing Polish sweets.
I’ll introduce you to those that have always been ours and still are, along with those whose sales are padding foreign pockets, be it partially or in full. Let me debunk the myth that Polish always equals better or even just good.
This assumption is the product of a misinterpreted, naive form of patriotism. The reality is, the best quality comes from meticulous craftsmanship and top-notch ingredients. It’s all about a pleasing texture, an inviting aroma, and a refined taste.
The physical location of the factory or the nationality of the owner and employees aren’t deciding factors. Hence, I need to emphasize that the Polish and „Polish” sweets discussed in this post are not a measure of quality.
My intention isn’t to paint one in a positive light and the other negatively. It’s worth to say, sweets from Poland can disappoint, while „Polish” sweets can truly delight.
Identifying Truly Polish Chocolates and Sweets
So, if you’re on the hunt for authentic Polish sweets crafted without foreign company involvement, I’ve got a neat trick for you. Visit the WspieramRozwój.pl website and check the manufacturer or brand that tickles your fancy. I used this site extensively when gathering information for this post.
The information I’m sharing is up to date as of 2022. Now, if you stumble upon this entry a decade later, don’t expect Polish sweets to have stayed the same. Despite a recent surge in nationalistic sentiments, these are primarily ideological. Economically speaking, we still lean towards globalization.
Polish Sweet Producers
Of course, I haven’t been able to list every single company that currently offers authentic Polish sweets. I’ve focused on those whose products I’ve had the pleasure of tasting, as well as those names that ring a bell.
If you’re aware of more, or if you represent a Polish confectionery company, feel free to drop the names in the comments. I’d be delighted to update this entry for the sake of completeness.
Here’s a selection of genuine Polish sweets offered by various companies and brands:
- Aksam, Akuku, Alpinella, Anita, Apetitki, Axpal
- Bagatelka, Bałtyk, Bakoma, Barkleys, Baron, Beskidzkie, Bieluch, Big Snack, Blikle, Bracia Koral, Bogutti, Bulik
- Celiko, Cornflower, Chocolate Bush, Sugars of Nysa, Colian, Crispy Natural
- Danmis, Dary Natury, Deco Morreno, Dobosz, Doti
- Ekołutka, Eko Wital, Eurobrand, Eurohansa, Eurowafel
- Familijne, FigAnd, Finesse, Fit&Free, Flipsy, Frugo, Frupp
- Galeria Wypieków Lubaszka, Gellwe, GOM Owczarek, Goplana, Grupa Maspex Wadowice, Granex, Grycan and Grześki
- Helio, Herbapol, Hibbi
- Ice-Mastry, Iga, Intenson
- Jago, Jana, Unity, Hedgehogs, Jogo, Yoghurts Magda, Joko, Jutrzenka
- Karmello Chocolatier, Copernicus, Koral, Krakowski Kredens, Krasnystaw, Krówka Olecka, Krówka Polska, Kupiec
- La Festa, Lubella, Lumar Milanea
- Łowicz, Łuksza
- Magnat, Mayami, Maluta, Mamut, Manufaktura Czekolady Chocolate Story, Michałki z Siemianowice, Milandia, Millano, Miodelka, Mlekoma, Mlekovita, Mlekpol, Mokate
- Next, Nordis, Nussole
- Odra, Okruszek, OSM Czarnków, OSM Siedlce
- Pansnack, Pasieka Pachniczówka, Passa, Piątnica, Planton, Polmlek, Polotti, Polskie Młyny, Primax, Produkty Benedyktyńskie, Puchatek
- Rarity, Roxana, Rolmlecz
- Gmina Gostyń is surrounded by the gminas of Salino, Sante, Skawa, SM Gostyń, Solidarność, and Symbio.
- Śnieżka, Snowflake
- Tago, Targroch Filipowice, Tentor, Terravita, Tygryski
- Unitop Optima, OZO
- Vienna, Vobro
- Vistula, Wodzisław
Remember, this list isn’t exhaustive.
Partially Polish Sweets and Chocolates
Next up, we have sweets that are kinda-sorta Polish. This group includes companies with Polish origins (like Wedel and Wawel) and those without (like Kinder and Roshen). But what ties these brands together is that by purchasing their products, you’re partially supporting the Polish economy.
This comes into play especially due to the employment of Poles in local branches of these companies, such as manufacturing plants and retail stores. I think it’s worth saying that just because a company was originaly Polish but isn’t anymore, doesn’t mean its sweets have suddenly turned bad.
Let’s be real, recipes change all the time, regardless of nationality. Therefore, foreign takeover of a brand doesn’t dictate the quality of its products. Plus, even the Polish sweets I mentioned in the previous section could’ve had their ups and downs over the years.
So, if you want to support the local economy in some way while enjoying sweets, here’s a list of companies and brands that offer partly Polish sweets:
- 3Bit, 7 Days
- Actimel, Aero, Algida, Alpen Gold, Alpro, Artur, Auchan
- Bahlsen, Bakalland, Ballino, Basia, Bonitki, Bounty
- Carletti, Carte Dor, Cheetos, Chipsletten, Cortina, Costa, Crunchips, Curly
- Danacol, Danio, Danone, Delecta, Delic-pol, Dr. Oetker, Dr Gerard, Duplo
- Fantasia, Ferrero Rocher, Frito Lay, FruVita
- Good Food
- Hortex
- I. D.C. Polonia, ICEFresh
- Jovi
- Kinder, Krakuski, Kruger
- Lactalis, Lajkonik, Lindt, Lion, Lubisie, Luximo
- Meniscus
- M&M’s, Magnetic, Magnolia, Mamba, Mars, Mieszko, Milbona, Miletto, Milka, Milky Way, Monster Munch, Mr. Snacki, Muller
- Nestle, Nimm 2
- Orbit
- Parisian, Peppies, Petitki, Pilos, Prince Polo, Princessa, Pringles, Przysnacki
- Raffaello, Roshen
- San, Schulstad, Snickers, Soleil, Sonko, Star Chips, Sunbites
- Tesco Value, Tic Tac, Tutti Frutti, Twistos, Twix
- Vitanella
- Wawel, Wedel, Werther’s Original, Wiejski Ziemniaczki, Winiary, Winterfresh
- Green booth, Zott
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a start if you’re looking to enjoy sweets while also supporting the local economy in some small way.
Delving into Typically Polish Sweets
Alright, let’s dive straight into the heart of Polish sweet culture. Now, I’m not a food historian, so if you get shocked by any of these 'typically Polish sweets’ not actually having Polish roots, feel free to let me know.
Also, if you can think of any other genuine Polish sweets I’ve missed out on, don’t hesitate to chime in. I’m all ears! Together, we can uncover which sweets were born in Poland and which ones moved in, whether ages ago or just recently.
Let’s start off with some of the classics:
- Krówki: This is a chewy or crumbly candy made from milk, butter, and sugar. These days, a lot of other stuff is added to it, fancily referred to as 'improvers’ for marketing purposes. You’ll find krówki (fudge) being sold by many Polish and ex-Polish companies.
- Szyszki: Made from puffed rice held together by butter and kajmak, fudge or other sweet binders, cones were especially popular and easily available during the People’s Republic of Poland era.
- Iris: Iris candies are another typical Polish sweet, dating back to the times during and after the war. To a foreigner, Irises and fudges might look quite similar, if not the same. But trust me, there are small nuances that diferentiate them, making them interesting Polish sweets for foreigners to discover.
- Pierniki: When it comes to Polish pierniki, most people think about the ones from Toruń. But personally, I don’t like them much. Despite being 100% Polish, I find them dry, hard, and bland. On the other hand, I do enjoy the gingerbread sweets from Szczecin and the Lublin region.
- Ptasie Mleczko: Or more accurately, kind of marshmallows coated in chocolate. Wedel was the one to coin the term Ptasie Mleczko for these treats, and today they continue to produce them, although under the management of the Korean firm, Lotte, which has significantly changed the composition of the sweets.
- Andruty: These sweets have been a part of Poland since the early 19th century. Primarily a regional product of Kalisz, you can find them in other cities too, like Wrocław.
- Honeys: If you’re looking for an ideal Polish sweet to gift to a foreign friend, honey is a great choice. You can find a variety of them on the list of traditional Polish products. Some of the popular ones include Wałeckie, Przelewickie, Kurpie, and Drahimski honeys.
- Bagels: I absolutely love obwarzanki! They are traditional Polish sweets that can either be sweet or salty, usually topped with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or salt. The authentic obwarzanki come from Krakow, but you can find variations of them everywhere. My personal favorite version of them is small, crispy, sweet rings strung on a string. However, it’s worth mentioning that bagels and obwarzanki are not the same; bagels are actually Jewish bread, and pretzels are not ours. The third kind of baked treat hails from Italy or France.
- Plums in Chocolate: These are also worth noting. Plums dipped in chocolate are made by numerous local and ex-local companies like Jutrzenka Dobre Miasto, Śnieżka, or Wawel. Other fruits like cherries, raisins, and black currants have also joined the chocolate-coated family.
- Michałki: These candies are Produced by Śnieżka and Hanka. I believe they’re worth buying and comparing.
Sweet Gifts from Poland – What To Buy?
Now, if you’re eyeing Polish sweets as a gift and your recipient happens to be a native Pole, I suggest picking unique and tasty treats. You see, they don’t necessarily need to be traditional Polish sweets, since they can easily get those.
- You may also want to read: Taste of Poland – Must-Buy Souvenirs from Krakow’s Local Markets
Scanning through Internet, I’ve picked out the following Polish sweets that make perfect gifts:
- Chocolate Whisky & Coffee by Bałtyk. Though I’ve only tried this flavor, I suspect the others are also a hit.
- Millano sweets, and not just those under the Baron brand. I’m particularly fond of their milk chocolate products which melt delightfuly in your mouth.
- Pastries from the Blikle confectionery. I don’t have personal memories of them, but my mother certainly admires them. If your gift recipient loves donuts, cookies, cakes, and fancy sweets, this might be the place to look.
- Chocolate Bush has absolutely gorgeous Polish sweets – decorative chocolate bars with fancy additions. They’re a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
- I’ve tasted Karmello Chocolatier chocolate once, but it left as much of an impression on me as Chocolate Bush did. It’s both beautiful and tasty, making it gift-worthy.
- For those who prefer simpler, everyday sweets, Nysa Sugars’ cakes are a perfect choice. Given my love for such products, I’d rather receive a bag of Nyskie Sugar cookies than a fancy Lindt chocolate bar.
- The Colian group also produces ordinary yet delicious everyday sweets. Brands like Familijne, Grześki, Jutrzenka, Goplana, and Jeżyki fit the bill. If you’re looking for Polish sweets as a gift for a child, these will do the job.
- The Tago brand also boasts a range of tasty sweets. Plus, they’re attractively packaged. I haven’t reviewed many, but I’ll catch up soon.
So What Is The Best Sweet To Bring Home?
While ordinary Polish sweets make a great gift for any occasion, when it comes to bringing home something from Poland to your friends, I would choose traditional products.
I'd primarily recommend Ptasie Mleczko, Krówki, and plums in chocolate.
They look good, have intriguing textures, and boast unique flavors.
Remember to verify that they’re genuine Polish sweets. Companies with 100% Polish capital I listed above can be your guide. To find Polish sweets for foreigners, just Google the product name and manufacturer.
No-Polish Sweets
Lastly, a vital bit of info. Online searches for Polish sweets often yield results like Ptasie Mleczko Wedel, Prince Polo Olzy, Champagne Delicacies once Wedel, now Mondelezu, Malaga, Tiki Taki and Kasztanki by Wawel, and Wedel Cake. Yet, each of these contradicts the idea of being „Polish”.
Yes, they originated from our country and were once Polish, but they haven’t been for many years. They’ve altered their recipes and now have different characteristics.
Some are even off-putting. When collecting Polish sweets as gifts for foreigners, please don’t embarrass us with these pseudo-Polish products.
Sure, not all Polish sweets are praiseworthy, but that’s true for every country! If you’re keen on gifting authentic Polish sweets, make an effort. If it doesn’t matter to you where the sweets are from, that’s cool.
I personally enjoy foreign sweets a lot. Just avoid unknowingly spreading false information about these „Polish” sweets, as they clearly haven’t been for years.
References:
- https://uczymyjakslodzic.pl/typowe-polskie-slodycze-co-mamy-dobrego/
- https://islodycze.pl/polskie-slodycze
- https://gazetka-lewiatan.pl/kultowe-polskie-slodycze/#:~:text=Ptasie%20Mleczko%2C%20%C5%9Bliwki%20w%20czekoladzie,co%20kochamy%20najbardziej%20nasze%20przysmaki%3F
